A 30-year-old Chiefs player retires over concussion concerns

Husain Abdullah returns an interception for a touchdown in a 2014 game. (Ed Zurga/AP)

Husain Abdullah, a 30-year-old free safety for the Kansas City Chiefs, announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday, citing concerns about concussions and writing that “having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing” his future goals.

“There are numerous deciding factors in my decision, with personal health being foremost,” he wrote on Instagram. “Sitting for five weeks last year after suffering the fifth concussion of my career, I had a lot to contemplate. My goals moving forward are to be of benefit to my family, my community, my country and hopefully the world. Having a sound mind will be vital in accomplishing these goals.

“Thank you to everyone I’ve crossed paths with during my time as a player. You’ve had an impact on my life for the better. Thanks for the love and support. It’s greatly appreciated.”

Abdullah, who took 2012 off to complete a pilgrimage to Mecca, started 21 games for the Chiefs after that. An undrafted free agent in 2008, he played for four years with the Minnesota Vikings before going to KC. His brother, Hamza, was a seven-year veteran of the NFL, but did not return after the 2012 pilgrimage.

Hamza Abdullah was highly critical of Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL, saying that the league “was denying the fact that football causes brain damage.”

The decision by Abdullah is yet another in a trend that should trouble the NFL. Marshawn Lynch, Calvin Johnson and Jerod Mayo also have retired during this offseason. They’re all 30 or younger.

Cindy BorenCindy Boren arrived at The Post in 2000 as an assignment editor in charge of baseball and NFL/Redskins coverage. She switched to full-time writing, focusing on national sports stories and issues, when she founded The Early Lead blog in 2010. Follow